The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the contract for the construction of a smart school in Kebbi State and the reassignment of the project to a new contractor.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, revealed that the contract for a similar smart school project in Bayelsa State is also undergoing revocation procedures, with plans to re-award it to another contractor soon.
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Dr. Sununu made this known on Tuesday during a visit to the FCT Smart School in Karshi, Abuja, accompanied by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that no state is left behind in the deployment of technology in education through the smart school initiative.
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“The smart school project in Kebbi State has been reassigned to a new contractor after the initial contract was revoked. Similarly, Bayelsa’s project is under review for a similar revocation and reassignment. This ensures that all states benefit from the integration of technology in education,” Sununu said.
He expressed concern that some states, whose smart schools have been completed and handed over, have not yet provided the 75 teachers required for training to effectively operate these institutions.
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Sununu urged other states to follow the example of the FCT administration, which has already taken steps to expand the smart school by providing necessary infrastructure such as roads and hostel accommodations.
Sununu also called on traditional rulers and the residents of Karshi to ensure the security of the smart school facilities, noting that they are the primary beneficiaries of these educational advancements.
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The smart school initiative, funded by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to enhance the capacity of teachers in developing and using ICT content, and to provide students and teachers with improved access to quality educational resources.
Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering technology-enhanced learning across Nigeria.
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He highlighted the importance of integrating technology into the education system from the earliest stages, emphasizing that such institutions will help nurture the creativity and critical thinking of students.
“This is the kind of educational institution we aim to establish nationwide—one that integrates personal learning and technology from the foundational level. It will support the development of students’ thinking and creativity, guiding them from kindergarten through secondary education,” Mamman stated.
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He encouraged the staff of the FCT Smart School to take their roles seriously, as the institution will serve as a model and training ground for other educators and schools in the region.
Mamman also confirmed that the government plans to establish one smart school in each state, with 26 already operational and construction ongoing for the remaining ones.
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Addressing security concerns, particularly for the smart school located on the outskirts of Karshi, Mamman assured that comprehensive security measures are in place.
These include the deployment of armed police officers, civil defense personnel, and community vigilantes to safeguard the facility.
In addition, Mamman mentioned that over 11,000 Almajiri children have been identified in the FCT and will be enrolled in various schools across the country by September.
This smart school initiative is part of the current administration’s broader legacy to digitize Nigeria’s educational system, ensuring that students receive technology-based training from an early age, preparing them for future challenges in a rapidly evolving world.
